August What's On

WHAT'SON Your essential guide to activities, clubs, events and lots more in your area. There’s something for everyone!

ARTS, CULTURE & TALKS Art Exhibition/Sale Saturday 26th, 27th, 28th August, 2.00-5.00pm.

Adults £2, Children under 16 Free. Light refreshments.

To exhibit paintings and photographs contact catherinelcorkery@yahoo.co.uk Closing date, 11th August. Hanging Fee £2.00 per item.

All Saints Church, Odell, MK43 7AA,

CLASSES, CLUBS & GROUPS ARTS/CRAFTS/MODEL MAKING Kempston and District Model Railway Society Meets every Monday from 7.30pm-10pm At the Church of the Transfiguration rear church hall.

New members welcome.

Contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com Bedfordshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.

1st Tuesday evening each month 7.30 - 9.30pm.

3rd Saturday 10.30am. - 4.30pm each month.

A friendly group of lovers of textile related crafts have changed venue to Flitwick Village Hall, 11 Dunstable Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1HP Evening Handcraft – Knitting, Stitching and lots of other hand crafts 1st & 3rd Wednesday of most months.

Enjoy craft and good conversation with a relaxed group who support one another. Plus a whole craft shop to shop in if you want to. £4.75 per session which includes any drink off the O For Coffee menu.

Tudor Rose Patchwork Unit 1, Oakley Park, Station Road, Oakley MK43 7RB Phone 01234 824983 for further details.

Cross Stitch for Beginners course Thurs 31st Aug 7pm to 9pm £10 pp. Saxon Games and Crafts Saxon Way, Great Denham, MK40 4GP Call 07877 951630 for info or to book.

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Art Friends – New Art Group Art for Fun and Friendship For All Every Thursday 9.30am – 12.30pm Bromham Baptist Church. Enquiries please call Jackie 01234 825663 / 07880 518465

Local Friendship Group Welcomes new members We meet at a local public house every Wednesday at 8pm. Call 07790 904736 or 07925 910639 Email: friendshipclub365@gmail.com

Flower School Thursday evenings 5pm – 7pm April Flowers, 90 High Street, Clapham Various arrangements covered with a demo followed by the opportunity for students to complete the same design which they can take home. Booking essential Call Amy on 01234 343335 / 07794 827137

MENCAP – Smiley Club Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm A fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities. The club has a band of loyal volunteers, mostly teenagers and activities include: Art and crafts, board games, outside play in the warmer months and hanging out with friends!

Pine Cones Family Centre, (behind Livingstone Lower School) Clapham Road, Bedford. For further information please contact the club leader Jeff Smith on 07798 762 808.

Putnoe Heights Machine Knitting Group.

Meets on alternate Fridays 9.30 – 12.30 September to July Beginners and Improvers all welcome Contact Marion Sutton on 01234 217647 Friday Daubers This friendly group of amateur daubers meets at 5 Lansdowne Road Bedford every Friday between 1pm and 4pm to spend a few hours enjoying our hobby.

Between us we use a variety of media. If you enjoy drawing and/or painting why not join us. If you are interested why not contact one of us to find out more - Anne 07548 840856 or Jenny 01234 824568 or email Marianne marianne.sellers@virginmedia.com BRIDGE CLUBS P.M Bridge Group First and third Thursdays of each month 11am to 2.45pm Friendly duplicate bridge Good standard buffet lunch £6 including lunch, tea or coffee. Renhold Village Hall.

Tel Ann on 01234 212066 COMMUNITY/FRIENDSHIP GROUPS Magpie Ladies Group A friendly group who meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm At St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill. (No meetings in August). Guest Speakers and social events Tea/Coffee and cake included. New members welcomed. Please Contact: Rosemary 01234 405594 or Barbara 01234 304960 Silver lining Club for the silver haired.

Park Road Methodist Church Roff Avenue, opposite the high flats. Number 10 bus stops outside.

FREE. 2pm-4pm every first Tuesday of the month.

Various activities or just sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee

MENCAP – Sparkle Club Wednesdays in term time between 7.00pm – 9.00pm a social club for adults with learning disabilities. It is held on Putnoe Primary School, Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0DH. Bedfordshire Family History Society Welcomes new members at their monthly meetings on the 1st Friday of every month.

Contact Lynn on 01234 306482 Held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX www.bfhs.org.uk DANCE Linedancing Mondays at Priory Methodist Church Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.30pm - 8.30pm www.dancingstars.comli.com/ Tele:07969847553 Scottish Country Dancing - Beginners class.

Tuesday evenings 8pm -10pm ARA Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford £2.50 per session, first evening free. Singles welcome No experience/partners needed. Wear soft shoes.

Keith Rose 01234 781448 keith@krose.plus.com Enjoy Irish Ceili and Set Dancing.

Every Wednesday 8 pm to 10 pm at the Reading Room, 1, Barkers Lane, Bedford. £2 per session – first evening free.

No partner required. Beginners welcome.

Ring Pat [01234 308224] for more details.

Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club Meet on First, Third and Fifth Wednesday of each month eve 8-10pm We are a friendly social Folk Dancing Club St Marks Church Hall, Calder Rise (off Avon Drive), Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7UY. It’s good fun for only £1 incl. refreshments. No partner required.

Rosemary Mcneilage 01234 405594 Bedford Folk Dance Company Meet Thursday eve 8 - 10 pm.

We are a friendly Country and Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB It’s good fun for only £2 incl. Refreshments No partner required Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com Linedancing Thursdays Kempston Hammers Social And Sports Club 134 High Street High Street Kempston Bedford MK42 7BN Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.00pm - 8.00pm Improver/Intermediate 8.00pm - 10.00pm http://dancingstars.comli.com/ Tele:07969847553 Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club We are a long established folk dance club who meet every Friday in term time from 8pm to 10pm at Hazeldene School Bedford MK41 9AT (use Hartshill entrance). We are a friendly group always ready to welcome new members. No partner required. Contact David Cooke on 01234 823920. www.finecompanions.wordpress.com or find us on Facebook.

MUSIC/SINGING Bedford Pipe Band welcome new members.

Thursdays 7.30pm - 9.30pm Friendly & relaxed group beginners to experienced.

St John’s Church hall (MK42 0DL), Bedford.

Contact Pipe Major Donald Reid 01234 268475 Mrs. Barrett (Band Secretary) 01234 360967 www.bedfordpipeband.org.uk Bedford Gallery Quire 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursday of each month 7.30 pm Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Ave, Bedford We welcome those interested in singing/playing’West Gallery’ music from the early 18th century to the mid19th century.

Contact Ken Baddley 01234 310018 www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk

Rotary Club of Bedford de Parys Meet for breakfast every Tuesday at The Embankment Hotel 7.15am for 7.30am start.

Fellowship, fundraising and interesting speakers www.bedforddeparysrotary.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S SERVICES ON

COMMUNITY / CHARITY EVENTS A Different Brew - A Cafe with a difference’ Summer Opening Times Monday- Friday 8.30am till 5pm 106 Clapham Road, Bedford Licensed to sell alcohol with food. Staffed by adults with learning difficulties working both front and back of house. Summertime special – new menu and different specials every day. Call 01234 341925 Bookings taken for functions. A Different Brew is a project of Beds Garden Carers (BGC) Find us on Facebook Beds Garden Carers - Learning Disabilities Charity Panacea Museum The museum tells the story of the Panacea Society – a remarkable religious community formed in the early twentieth century.

General Opening Hours.

Museum and Gardens Open February half term to October half term Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 11.00am – 5.00pm Gardens only April – September Monday - Wednesday from 11.00am – 4.00pm

FESTIVALS / SHOWS / CAR BOOT FortFest Music Festival 4th,5th,6th August Scald End Farm, Mill Road, Thurleigh, MK44 2DP Camping, good facilities and high quality food and beverages plus a farm shop and cafe on site.

Further information and announcements for 2017 bands and headliners www.fortfest.uk The Bedford Proms in the Park Sunday 6th August Bedford Park ‘Proms Goes to the Movies’ Special guests include Australian Tenor Daniel Koek and rising classical star, soprano Joanna Forest. Tickets and up to date line up information at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk KingStock Festival Friday 11th – Sunday 13th August at Moggerhanger Park Run by volunteers who share a passion for creativity and their Christian faith. It has no single affiliation with any major sponsor, business or church denomination and is a true grassroots event raising money and awareness of several local and international charities.

More information, times and line up at www.kingsstock.co.uk Sandy Show Saturday 19th August 12.00 - 5.00 p.m.

170 classes to enter ranging from flowers, fruit, vegetables, baking, brewing, to handicrafts, photography, art and scarecrows.Lots of junior classes to enter. Punch & Judy Show, Chris’s Animal Encounters, Michael Smith’s Owls, Live music with Stuart Clements, craft stalls, local organisations, refreshments and raffle. Entry £1.50 children FREE Sandye Place Academy SG19 1JD For further information see website www.thesandyshow.org.uk

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Twinwood Festival 25th -28th August, Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire.

The Ultimate Vintage Festival For Music & Dance Visit www.twinwoodevents.com for more information and full line up Kempston Fun Day 26th August 12noon -5pm Fun and entertainment for all the family The event is open to the public from 12 noon. Free admission, £1 car park charge.

More information at www.bedfordlions.org.uk St Mark’s Church & Community Centre Car Boot Sale Bank Holiday Monday 28th August 9.00a.m. – 12.30p.m.

Sellers 8.00a.m. - Buyers 9.00a.m. £7.00 outside £8.00 inside Entrance 50p.Refreshments available including ‘Bacon Butties’ Calder Rise/Avon Drive Bedford MK41 7UY Contact: Church Office 01234 342613 or 01234 360605

FAMILY FOREST OF MARSTON VALE KIDS EVENTS Kids Event Tuesday 1 August 10am to 3.15pm Mini Beast Safari And Bug Bingo Sessions at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm. Duration: 1¼ hours Wear long trousers and avoid open toed sandals.

Sunhats and sunblock at the ready!

Booking and parental supervision essential. £4 per child. To book, call 01234 767037 or email info@marstonvale.org (In the event of bad weather this event will move indoors to become minibeast modelling and bug bingo) Teaching Talons Holiday Club Thursday 3 August 9.30am to 3.30pm Our all new holiday club – giving your young ones the chance to get up close and personal with some incredible animals (and giving you a day off worrying about how to entertain the kids this summer!)

‘Amazing Animals’ (Suitable for ages 5-11) (Drop off 9.30 – 9.50am – Pickup 3.30pm). Meet a fantastic range of small furries, giant creepy crawlies, funky frogs and beautiful owls plus crafts and other animal activities.’ £25 per child, per day (book both Discover Dinosaurs and Amazing Animals together and pay only £45!)

Book now at Reception – call 01234 767037, or email info@marstonvale.org Teaching Talons Holiday Club Friday 4 August 9.30am to 3.30pm Discover Dinosaurs - for details see above.

Bedford Beach & Children’s Fair Sunday 6th to Sunday 13th August Seaside Fun for all the family!

Early Bird special all rides £1 9am - 11am Telephone hotline 07976 813639 Harpur Square, Bedford MK40 1PG

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Kids Event Thursday 10 August 10am to 3.15pm Wild Art in the Woods - Outdoor Craft Session Sessions at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm. Duration: 1¼ hours Sunhats and sunblock at the ready!

Booking and parental supervision essential. £4 per child.. To book, call 01234 767037 or email info@marstonvale.org (In the event of bad weather this event will move indoors)

Hearts In Beds Cardiac Support Group First Tuesday each month 7pm Priory Methodist Church Halls, Newnham Ave, Bedford, MK41 9QJ. (We hold a gentle exercise session from 7 7-30 pm under a qualified trainer. Everyone welcome, you don’t need to have a cardiac condition to join us.

Raffle at the end of the evening.

Contact Sid Luff, 01234 404671 or Ted Jolliffe 01234 327791 for further details of the Group.

Kids Event Tuesday 15 August 10am to 3.15pm Pond Dipping & Design Sessions at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm. Duration: 1¼ hours Booking and parental supervision essential. £4 per child. To book, call 01234 767037 or email info@ marstonvale.org

MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE

Kids Event Thursday 24 August 10am to 3.15pm Mini Beast Safari And Bug Bingo Sessions at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm. Duration: 1¼ hours Wear long trousers and avoid open toed sandals.

Sunhats and sunblock at the ready!

Booking and parental supervision essential. £4 per child. To book, call 01234 767037 or email info@marstonvale.org (In the event of bad weather this event will move indoors to become minibeast modelling and bug bingo) All above kids events at The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park Forest of Marston Vale, Bedfordshire MK43 0PR (sat nav – use MK43 0PS) The Greensand Trust BugLab Sessions Flitwick Wood Thursday 3rd August 12.30- 1.45 pm 2-3.15pm Maulden Wood Tuesday 8th August 1 2.30 – 1.45pm 2-3.15pm Centenary Wood, near Pulloxhill & Greenfield Friday 4th August 12.30 – 1.45pm 2-3.15pm A chance to hunt for bugs with experts on hand and take part in a fun craft activity. Booking is essential as places are limited. A small charge of £3 per child. (not suitable for under 4’s) www.greensandtrust.org

HEALTH & WELLBEING Over 70’s Gentle Exercise Classes Every Monday and Wednesday (except bank holidays). Mondays – Bedford Central Library (3rd floor meeting room) Wednesday – Bedford International Athletics Stadium £4 per session Tel 01234 718835 www.bedford.gov.uk/sport Bedford Macular Support Group Third Monday of each month at 10:30 am.

Volunteer Centre, 43 Bromham Road Offering practical and emotional support to people suffering central vision loss or Macular Disease.

Speakers on a range of related topics.

Info 01234 781372

Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club Wednesday 30 August 7.30 – 10.00 pm Concert with PETE SHAW Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN Members £5 Non-Members £6 Pay at door Tel: 01234 344423 www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/bedford

SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ARCHERY Ouse Valley Archers Currently offering a four week introduction in target archery.

Courses run by Archery GB approved coaches and all equipment is provided.

For experienced archers or those who have completed a beginners course the club shoots indoors/outdoors on Thursday 7.00pm - 9.00pm and Sunday 2.00pm - 4.00pm at Putnoe Primary School & Field, Church Lane, Bedford For further details visit our website or contact info@ ousevalleyarchers.com BADMINTON Wootton Badminton Club Wootton Upper School, Hall End, Wootton, Beds, MK43 9HT Thursdays from 7.30pm to 10.00pm This friendly club welcomes anyone who does or has played badminton, sorry no absolute beginners.

Contact: Freda Dunlop 01234 270638 Email: garry.freda@btinternet.com www.woottonbedfordbadmintonclub.weebly.com BASKETBALL / DODGEBALL Bedford Thunder Basketball club Mixed gender sessions Age 10-13 3.00-4.30 every Saturday Age 14-16 4.30-6.00 every Saturday Men’s club 7.35-9.45 every Tuesday All session in Bedford Academy, for further information contact bedfordthunder@outlook.com or visit our website www.bedfordthunder.com Bedford Mighty Eagles Dodgeball team We are a club that plays at a high level but would love anyone from any sporting ability and background to come down and give it a go as long as you are 15 and above. We have a men’s and women’s squad. It is great fun and a fantastic way to keep fit. We train on Tuesday’s 8-9 at: Hastingsbury school, Hill rise, Bedford, Mk42 7EB First training session is FREE and then each session is only £3 after that

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WHAT’S ON BOWLS Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club We are an indoor bowls club with superb facilities which will be updated to an even higher standard in early summer to make it the most prestigious club in the area. We offer bowls coaching from qualified coaches for beginners of all ages whether or not you are a club member. We provide you with bowls and bowls shoes and up to five lessons without any obligation to join the most prestigious club in the area.

290 Hillgrounds Road Kempston MK42 8UB 01234 852291. www.kempstonparkbowls.co.uk Bromham Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday evenings 7 pm – 9.00 pm and Monday afternoons 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm (September to May only) We are a friendly group of people that play short mat bowls. It is a fun, in-expensive, sociable game for all ages with a cuppa at half time. We meet in Bromham Village Hall and the first two sessions are free and where training can be given. All that you would require to bring is a pair of flat shoes or even your slippers!

Contact Sue Amor on 01234 823610 for more details and we hope you will come along and give it a try.

Mowsbury Park Bowling Club Try lawn bowls for FREE any Wednesday or Friday 2pm to 4.30pm.

Just bring flat shoes.

For more info about our club please contact Anne Haynes on 01234 211828 or visit our NEW web site www.mowsburyparkbowlsclub.co.uk Bedford Borough Bowling Club Established over 100 years are now enrolling new members and forming a junior section.

Probably the most prestigious bowling club in the Bedford area with both indoor and outdoor bowling greens. We offer FREE tuition from qualified instructors, with all equipment provided, we just ask you to wear flat shoes. Afterwards, you can obtain a cool drink or a coffee from the bar and relax in the comfortable lounge area. There are also restaurant facilities for lunch time meals. So give it a try, bring the family all are welcome.

Free parking. Check our web site www.boroughbowlin. org.uk or telephone 01234 340736 for more details Bedford Bowling Club Welcome Sessions Every Tuesday and Friday 2pm – 4pm The Bedford Bowling club holds taster sessions in Bedford Park (near the café), and welcomes anyone who would like to try the game. We are a warm, friendly club and the green is in a sheltered & idyllic part of the park. We provide all equipment for these sessions, and only ask you wear flat soled shoes to protect the green.

There is no cost or obligation and tea and biscuits are provided. For full information ring Ray on 305695, Warwick on 403551, or Alison on 343257. Or check out our new web site google “bedfordbowlingclub, Bedford – hugo fox”.

CYCLING Cyclists Touring Club, Bedfordshire We meet on a regular basis and have rides to various places, and cater for all abilities. We ride as a group for the pleasure of riding and socialising, nobody gets left behind ! See website ctc-bedfordshire.co.uk for details of our forthcoming rides, or ring 01234 219148 for further information.

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FOOTBALL Walking Football Summer sessions at Bedford Cricket Club Mondays 7-8pm Thursdays 2-3pm For more information and to book a place please email: info@walkingfootballleagues.co.uk Bedford United Football Club Bedford United is a non-profit making football club holding the FA Charter Standard status and providing a fun, friendly, safe and structured environment to learn, play and enjoy football. We have an established range of teams from our Academy right through to our Adults so if you’re interested in playing, coaching or helping out visit us at www.bedfordunitedfc.co.uk.

Bedford FC Mini Soccer Club Every Saturday at Goldington Academy 10.30am till 12.15pm.

Open to boys and girls aged 4-10yrs. Cost per child £3.00 and £5 for two children. Our sole aim is to provide children of all abilities with a unique footballing experience, developing their physical, social and communication skills in a safe environment. Full usage of toilet and changing facilities and plenty of car parking spaces. www.bedfordfcminisoccer.com.

Bedford Girls and Ladies FC We are a voluntary sports club for girls age 8 and upwards. If you’d like to find out more info please call Jill on 01234 772668 or 07850540631.

RUNNING Bedford Parkrun every Saturday Meet at The Bandstand at 9am.

Join us for a 5km run around the park (dogs, children and buggies all welcome). Register for free on the Parkrun UK website http://www.parkrun.org.uk TABLE TENNIS Social Table Tennis Mon/Tue 7.30pm-10.00pm Sports Hall, Lincroft School, Oakley All Ages Welcome. Just Turn Up. £4 per player per session, Bats Available, Free Hire. Coaching Available Call John 07921 093199 WALKING/RAMBLING Rambling Club We’re a friendly walking group who meet on a Sunday morning for a 5/6 mile walk. For further information or a copy of our programme please contact brclub75@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01234 360769.

t's on WhataMK Theatre this month THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME RETURNS TO MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

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he multi-award-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, returns to Milton Keynes Theatre, Monday 4th – Saturday 16th September, for its second major UK tour!

Playing the central role of Christopher Boone is Scott Reid with Lucianne McEvoy as his teacher Siobhan, Emma Beattie as Judy, David Michaels as his father Ed, Debra Michaels as Mrs Alexander and Eliza Collings as Mrs Shears.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is adapted from Mark Haddon’s best-selling book by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott.

National Theatre producer Kash Bennett said: ‘We were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic reception from audiences around the UK and Ireland when we toured “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” in 2014-15, and are delighted to take this beautiful and inventive show to new venues and make a return visits to others next year.’

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime received seven Olivier Awards in 2013, including Best New Play, Best Director, Best Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design and five Tony Awards on Broadway including Best Play.

The show tells the story of Christopher Boone, who is fifteen years old. He stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog, which has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in a book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain, and is exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of an event.

To list your event in August please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

by Friday 11th August

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Performances: Monday 4 – Saturday 16 September. Evenings

7.30pm, Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm Prices: From £16.50 Box Office: 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee)* Groups 10+: 0333 0095 939 Access Booking: 0800 912 6971 (bkg fee)* Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkg fee) *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups)

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